Despite rash of burglaries, SVL numbers lower than last year

SPRING VALLEY LAKE • Despite the recent rash of burglaries, the number of home break-ins in Spring Valley Lake are down from last year, sheriff's officials said.

"We have had eight burglaries in the month of September, which is high, but overall the number of burglaries compared to last year is down," said Stella Hodson, spokesperson for the San Bernardino County Sheriff's Department Victor Valley station.

The number of burglaries from January to September 2007 was 35, according to officials. For the same time frame this year, the number is 23.

Hodson attributes the overall drop to proactive policing by deputies and Spring Valley Lake security officers, but did not indicate any one major factor to the rise in burglaries last month.

"It's been a mixed bag when it comes to suspects," Hodson said, noting that descriptions range from juveniles to adults. "The crimes seem to be random."

Hodson said vigilance is key in apprehending the burglars, as well as maintaining a good relationship with residents and security personnel.

Sheriff's deputies arrested a man Wednesday night, when community security officers alerted the officials to a burglary in progress, Victor Valley station officials said.

Deputies responded to a home in the 13000 block of Clipper Drive, officials said.